Veterans’ signs: Be courteous when blowing off fireworks

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) – Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are asking their neighbors to be considerate when blowing off fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.

A group called Military With PTSD is distributing red, white and blue signs that veterans can put on their lawns or place on their homes. The signs read: “Combat Veteran Lives Here. Please Be Courteous with Fireworks.”

Exploding fireworks can startle veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. For many combat vets, Independence Day fireworks displays or neighbors blowing off their own pyrotechnics can cause added anxiety.

Jeff Gramlich of Niagara Falls served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He tells WIVB-TV in Buffalo that the do-it-yourself neighborhood fireworks are particularly tough to handle.

Military With PTSD is distributing the fireworks signs nationwide.

Online: militarywithptsd.com